John Keith Horsefield

Background

Horsefield was born on October 14, 1901 in Bristol, City of Bristol, United Kingdom.

Education

John obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Bristol in 1937.

Career

Horsefield began his career at London’s Prudential Assurance Company as a clerk in 1919, and he continued this employment until 1937. In 1939 and 1940, he lectured in banking at the London School of Economics, then joined the British Civil Service. He served at the Ministry of Aircraft Production and with the Ministry of Supply during World War II.

In 1947 Horsefield began a lengthy association with the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., first as a division chief, then later as a chief editor, and finally as a historian. In 1952 he became the deputy assistant secretary general for economics and finance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He served briefly on the Iron and Steel Board as supply and development officer in 1954, before he became director of finance and accounts at the Post Office. An honorary treasurer at the Carisbrooke Castle Museum from 1971 to 1992, he also wrote books including British Monetary Experiments 1690-1710, The International Monetary Fund 1945-1965, and The Real Cost of War.

Horsefield was also a volunteer for theaters, marine laboratories, and the opera.

Achievements

• Horsefield’s contributions to the study of monetary history earned him recognition worldwide. He had more than 150 editions published between 1935 and 1986 in English and Spanish and held by 1,028 WorldCat member libraries worldwide.

Works

More photos

• book

  • British monetary experiments, 1650-1710 1960
  • The Real Cost of War 1940

Membership

• Toastmasters International